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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

BrightView

Tree Care Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the following categories of ... Large wheel loaders, mid-size articulated wheel loaders, skip loaders, towing tractors, on/off road ...

BrightView Landscapes

Tree Care Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the following categories of ... Large wheel loaders, mid-size articulated wheel loaders, skip loaders, towing tractors, on/off road ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

SA Recycling

Class B Roll Off Driver - DBW

Anaheim, CA

$28 - $30/hr

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

$28/hr

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

$28/hr

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$35 - $45/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

SA Recycling

Class B Roll Off Driver - DBW

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$25/hr

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$35 - $45/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

Teichert

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in California

Wheel Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in California is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wheel loader operator?

As a wheel loader operator, you use front-end loaders to transport and haul materials or debris around a construction site. The bucket on the wheel loader is used to load and unload materials like ground fill or debris from demolished structures. Wheel loader operators are skilled at driving and controlling these large machines, coordinating with site management and other drivers to ensure safe operation at all times.

What are the most common challenges faced by a wheel loader operator on a construction site?

Wheel Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating around tight spaces or other heavy machinery, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews. Staying alert and adhering to strict safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents. Additionally, operators are expected to perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance, ensuring the loader is always in optimal working condition. Adapting to rapidly changing job site priorities and collaborating with other operators and site supervisors are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectWheel Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, demolition, trenching
Common UsageLoading/unloading materials, moving bulk materialsDigging, trenching, lifting heavy objects

While both Wheel Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, their roles differ in equipment and tasks. Wheel Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving bulk materials, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching. Certifications and safety training overlap, but their specific equipment skills vary. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wheel loader operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant equipment operator certification or license. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard computers, safety procedures, and routine maintenance tools is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently within team environments. These competencies ensure safe operation, prevent equipment damage, and contribute to productivity on construction or industrial sites.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,957 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator

ERRG

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Summary

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump trucks, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth. Majority of earth-moving activities will be associated with environmental contamination. Operate equipment with both CAT and John Deere controls. Maintain and perform minor equipment repair in addition to other duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  •  Learn and follow safety regulations.
  •  Take actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects.
  •  Adjust hand wheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, and swing booms.
  •  Start engines, move throttles, switches, and levers, and depress pedals to operate machines such as bulldozers, trench excavators, wheel loaders, and backhoes.
  •  Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work.
  •  Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
  •  Align machines, cutter heads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
  •  Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, and materials, using trucks, shovels, graders, or related equipment.
  •  Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, and rocks, and to distribute and level earth or terrain.
  •  Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • 5+ years of experience working as an equipment operator.
  • Trained and certified to operate the equipment assigned with a minimum of 4 years of equipment specific experience.
  • Experience following plans and stakes for cut and fill.
  • Must be able to sit/operate heavy equipment up to 100% of shift.
  • Ability to travel to project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum four (4) years of work experience at environmental construction sites.
  • Experience working on military construction projects. Experience working on environmental, remediation projects/sites.
  • Current 40-Hour HAZWOPER or 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher.
  • Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump trucks, and front-end loaders.

 

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